UN chief condemns Russian ‘affront’ in Ukraine

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Wednesday as the General Assembly met in a special session two days before the anniversary of Moscow’s attack.

“That invasion is an affront to our collective conscience,” Guterres said, calling the anniversary “a grim milestone for the people of Ukraine and for the international community.”

As fighting raged on in Ukraine, the General Assembly began debating a motion backed by Kyiv and its allies calling for a “just and lasting peace.”

While the measure is not as tough as Ukraine would like, it is hoping that a large majority of UN states will back the non-binding resolution to demonstrate Kyiv has the support of the global community.

Dozens of countries have sponsored the resolution, which stresses “the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

It reaffirms the UN’s “commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

It also demands Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine.”

In his opening remarks, Guterres highlighted the impact on the world of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour. He noted that it has generated eight million refugees, and hurt global food and energy supplies in countries.